Family humbled by generosity

Derek Lawson (left), sons Josh (rear), 15, and Sam (front), 9, who is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, with his mum Helen and sister Georgia, 12. Photo / Supplied

Helen Lawson had just celebrated two years post chemo with a party - when fate dealt another blow.

It's been a rough few years for the Havelock North family of five whose history of illness plays out like a cruel tale.

Mrs Lawson is two years clear of breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2012, and undergoing treatment. Prior to that her husband Derek was found to have pre-cancerous cells and had two separate mastectomy operations as a precaution against male breast cancer - the first in 1995 then again in 2009. But nothing could have prepared them for when 9-year-old son Sam's backache turned out to be Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

"He woke up with a sore back and initially we thought he had hurt it playing - but there was nothing physically wrong with his back so we went to the doctor - they thought it might be appendicitis, but when he went to hospital he had blood tests and his platelets had dropped off," Mrs Lawson said.

Further tests at Starship in Auckland confirmed the worst.

The Te Mata School student now has to be home-schooled to avoid illness because of his weakened immune system. Trips to the children's hospital for chemo have become routine about every 10 days. His siblings - Josh, 15 and Georgia, 12, have had a lot to get their head around but their parents are determined to keep everything as normal as possible. A lot had to be put on hold, including Mrs Lawson's job. But a huge weight had been lifted with the generosity of family, friends and the wider community. "Everything has been overwhelmingly humbling."

Letters and emails were sent out asking for donations toward a fundraising raffle. As word spread items started arriving daily and Pipi Caf listed a "Pizza 100 party" on TradeMe - offering to transport their mobile pizza truck anywhere in the country. A Napier man made the top bid of $2020, but was so touched by the cause he gave $3000. Donations are still coming and there are more events planned including an evening at Havelock North's Cinema Gold on September 22. Tickets from Gemco Construction, Rose & Shamrock Village Inn, ASB Bank and Te Mata School in Havelock North and Hohepa in Clive.

-To donate directly, visit : givealittle.co.nz/cause/help4samlawson